Sick Worker Entitled to Coverage for Medical Marijuana

A worker filed a workers’ comp claim for coverage of medical marijuana, which was denied. On appeal, the Commission explained that workers’ comp covers medical aid provided to a worker who suffers a compensable injury. The worker developed cancer due to exposure to chemicals in the workplace. His doctor prescribed medical marijuana for the pain from his condition. Other drugs he’d taken for the pain had had negative or significant side effects. Thus, the Commission concluded that medical aid in the form of medical marijuana was reasonable and necessary to treat the worker’s compensable illness [Decision No: 2013-0017, [2013] CanLII 1404 (AB WCAC), Jan. 18, 2013].